US8042634B2 - Power output apparatus, vehicle mounting the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus - Google Patents

Power output apparatus, vehicle mounting the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8042634B2
US8042634B2 US12/306,443 US30644307A US8042634B2 US 8042634 B2 US8042634 B2 US 8042634B2 US 30644307 A US30644307 A US 30644307A US 8042634 B2 US8042634 B2 US 8042634B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shaft
connection
motor
disconnection module
disconnects
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US12/306,443
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20090242287A1 (en
Inventor
Kazunobu Eritate
Tomokazu Yamauchi
Shoichi Sasaki
Yuki Tojima
Takahiro Misu
Masami Osawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toyota Motor Corp
Aisin Corp
Original Assignee
Aisin Seiki Co Ltd
Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aisin Seiki Co Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp filed Critical Aisin Seiki Co Ltd
Assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MISU, TAKAHIRO, OSAWA, MASAMI, TOJIMA, YUKI, SASAKI, SHOICHI, YAMAUCHI, TOMOKAZU, ERITATE, KAZUNOBU
Publication of US20090242287A1 publication Critical patent/US20090242287A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US8042634B2 publication Critical patent/US8042634B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W20/00Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
    • B60W20/40Controlling the engagement or disengagement of prime movers, e.g. for transition between prime movers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/42Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
    • B60K6/44Series-parallel type
    • B60K6/445Differential gearing distribution type
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/10Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by engine-driven generators, e.g. generators driven by combustion engines
    • B60L50/16Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by engine-driven generators, e.g. generators driven by combustion engines with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B60L50/60Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
    • B60L50/61Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries by batteries charged by engine-driven generators, e.g. series hybrid electric vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/02Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of driveline clutches
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/04Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
    • B60W10/06Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/04Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
    • B60W10/08Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/10Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of change-speed gearings
    • B60W10/11Stepped gearings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60WCONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W20/00Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/10Vehicle control parameters
    • B60L2240/12Speed
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/42Drive Train control parameters related to electric machines
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/42Drive Train control parameters related to electric machines
    • B60L2240/421Speed
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/44Drive Train control parameters related to combustion engines
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/44Drive Train control parameters related to combustion engines
    • B60L2240/441Speed
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/48Drive Train control parameters related to transmissions
    • B60L2240/486Operating parameters
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/50Drive Train control parameters related to clutches
    • B60L2240/507Operating parameters
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2260/00Operating Modes
    • B60L2260/20Drive modes; Transition between modes
    • B60L2260/26Transition between different drive modes
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/62Hybrid vehicles
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/64Electric machine technologies in electromobility
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power output apparatus, a vehicle mounting the same, and a method for controlling a power output apparatus.
  • a vehicle-mounted power output apparatus having an engine, a planetary gear in which a carrier is connected to an output shaft of the engine and a ring gear is connected to a drive shaft, a motor MG 1 connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear, and a motor MG 2 selectively connected to the output shaft of the engine and the drive shaft through a clutch (for example, see Patent Document 1).
  • the motor MG 2 is connected to the drive shaft so as to output a power from the engine to the drive shaft for torque conversion by functioning the motor MG 1 as a generator and the motor MG 2 as a motor; and when at high speed cruise, the motor MG 1 is reversely rotated to function as a motor, the motor MG 2 is connected to the output shaft of the engine and the motor MG 2 is connected to the drive shaft for torque conversion, thereby causing the power circulation (power-electric power) which is prevented to increase the efficiency of the apparatus.
  • the power circulation power-electric power
  • the above-described power output apparatus increases the efficiency of the apparatus by preventing the power circulation by connecting the motor MG 2 to the two elements of the three elements for rotating the planetary gear. In general, it is considered to be a big problem with the power output apparatus to increase the efficiency of the apparatus.
  • An object of a power output apparatus, a vehicle mounting the same, and a method for controlling a power output apparatus according to the present invention is to increase the efficiency of the apparatus.
  • a power output apparatus In order to achieve the above-described object, a power output apparatus, a vehicle mounting the same, and a method for controlling a power output apparatus according to the present invention takes the following measures.
  • the present invention is directed to a power output apparatus for outputting a power to a drive shaft.
  • the power output apparatus includes: an internal combustion engine; a first motor capable of inputting and outputting power; a second motor capable of inputting and outputting power; a three shaft-type power input output module which is connected to three shafts: an engine shaft serving as an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, a first motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the first motor, and a third shaft, and inputs and outputs power to a remaining shaft based on the power input and output to any two of the three shafts; a first connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects a second motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the second motor to and from the third shaft; a second connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from the engine shaft; a third connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the third shaft; and a fourth connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and
  • the second motor shaft serving as the rotating shaft of the second motor is connected to and disconnected from the third shaft of the three shaft-type power input output module and the engine shaft serving as the output shaft of the internal combustion engine; and the drive shaft is connected to and disconnected from the third shaft of the three shaft-type power input output module and the first motor shaft serving as the rotating shaft of the first motor.
  • Such a power output apparatus of the present invention may be configured to further include a control module which controls the first connection/disconnection module, the second connection/disconnection module, the third connection/disconnection module, and the fourth connection/disconnection module so as to be a first connection state in which when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined low rotation range, the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the third shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the first motor shaft.
  • the control module which controls the first connection/disconnection module, the second connection/disconnection module, the third connection/disconnection module, and the fourth connection/disconnection module so as to be a first connection state in which when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined low rotation range, the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the third shaft;
  • the control module may be configured such that when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range, the control module controls so as to be a second connection state in which the first connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the third shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the first motor shaft.
  • the power output apparatus may be configured to further include an accumulator capable of sending and receiving an electric power to and from the first motor and the second motor, wherein the control module controls so as to be the second connection state when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in the predetermined high rotation range, and the first motor shaft is rotated in a direction opposite to the engine shaft and the third shaft.
  • control is performed so as to be the first connection state when the first motor shaft is rotated in a direction opposite to the engine shaft and the third shaft, a circulation of power-electric power-power (power circulation) may occur, in which the first motor outputs a power, a part of which is used by the second motor to generate an electric power, which is supplied to the first motor, which may remarkably decrease the efficiency of the vehicle.
  • control is performed so as to be the second connection state when the first motor shaft is rotated in a direction opposite to the engine shaft and the third shaft.
  • a part of the power from the internal combustion engine is used by the second motor connected to the engine shaft to generate an electric power, which is supplied to the first motor, thereby suppressing the power circulation and increasing the efficiency of the vehicle.
  • the power output apparatus may be configured to further include a first coupled rotating mechanism having a first coupled rotating shaft which is connected to the third shaft, and is rotated at approximately the same rotation speed as the rotation speed of the engine shaft when the rotation speed of the first motor shaft is a predetermined rotation speed, wherein the first connection/disconnection module connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from the first coupled rotating mechanism, and the control module controls so as to switch from the first connection state to the second connection state in synchronism with a rotation of the first coupled rotating shaft and the engine shaft when the connection state is the first connection state, and the rotation speed of the first motor shaft is a predetermined rotation speed.
  • the control module may be configured to control so as to switch from the first connection state to the second connection state through the first switch state in which the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the first coupled rotating mechanism; and the second connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the engine shaft.
  • connection/disconnection module has a dog clutch which connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from the first coupled rotating shaft; and the second connection/disconnection module has a dog clutch which connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from the engine shaft.
  • the power output apparatus may be configured such that when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range, the control module controls so as to be a third connection state in which the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the third shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the first motor shaft.
  • the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range
  • the power can be output to the drive shaft by connecting the second motor to the third shaft and connecting the drive shaft to the first motor shaft.
  • the power output apparatus may be configured to further include a second coupled rotating mechanism having a second coupled rotating shaft coupled to the third shaft; and a third coupled rotating mechanism which is coupled to the first motor shaft, and is rotated at approximately the same rotation speed as the rotation speed of second coupled rotating shaft when the first motor shaft and the engine shaft are in a predetermined rotation state, wherein the third connection/disconnection module connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the second coupled rotating shaft; the fourth connection/disconnection module connects and disconnects the drive shaft to the third coupled rotating shaft; and the control module controls so as to switch from the first connection state to the third connection state in synchronism with the rotation of the second coupled rotating shaft and the third coupled rotating shaft when the connection state is the third connection state, and the first motor shaft and the engine shaft are in a predetermined rotation state.
  • the control module may be configured to control so as to switch from the first connection state to the third connection state through a second switch state in which the third connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the second coupled rotating shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the third coupled rotating shaft.
  • the configuration may be made such that the third connection/disconnection module has a dog clutch which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the second coupled rotating shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module has a dog clutch which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the third coupled rotating shaft.
  • the vehicle of the present invention is the vehicle mounting the power output apparatus of the present invention of any one of the above-described embodiments, that is basically the power output apparatus for outputting a power to the drive shaft.
  • the vehicle may be characterized in that an axle thereof is coupled to the drive shaft and may be configured to mount the power output apparatus including an internal combustion engine; a first motor capable of inputting and outputting the power; a second motor capable of inputting and outputting the power; a three shaft-type power input output module which is connected to three shafts: an engine shaft serving as an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, a first motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the first motor, and a third shaft, and inputs and outputs the power to a remaining shaft based on the power input and output to any two of the three shafts; a first connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects a second motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the second motor to and from the third shaft; a second connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from
  • the vehicle of the present invention mounts the power output apparatus of the present invention of any one of the above-described embodiments, thereby producing the same effect as the effect produced by the power output apparatus of the present invention, for example, an effect of driving with a more efficient connection relation, and the like.
  • the Present invention is directed to a method for controlling a power output apparatus.
  • the power output apparatus includes an internal combustion engine; a first motor capable of inputting and outputting the power; a second motor capable of inputting and outputting the power; a three shaft-type power input output module which is connected to three shafts: an engine shaft serving as an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, a first motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the first motor, and a third shaft, and inputs and outputs the power to a remaining shaft based on the power input and output to any two of the three shafts; a first connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects a second motor shaft serving as a rotating shaft of the second motor to and from the third shaft; a second connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the second motor shaft to and from the engine shaft; a third connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the third shaft; and a fourth connection/disconnection module which connects and disconnects the drive shaft to and from the first motor
  • the control method controls the first connection/disconnection module, the second connection/disconnection module, the third connection/disconnection module, and the fourth connection/disconnection module so as to be a first connection state in which when a rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined low rotation range, the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the third shaft; the fourth connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the first motor shaft.
  • the second motor shaft serving as the rotating shaft of the second motor is connected to and disconnected from the third shaft of the three shaft-type power input output module and the engine shaft serving as the output shaft of the internal combustion engine; and the drive shaft is connected to and disconnected from the third shaft of the three shaft-type power input output module and the first motor shaft serving as the rotating shaft of the first motor.
  • the connection relation when a power is output to the drive shaft is increased in comparison with only connecting and disconnecting the second motor shaft to and from the third shaft of the three shaft-type power input output module and the engine shaft.
  • the power can be output to the drive shaft with a more efficient connection relation.
  • the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined low rotation range, the power can be output to the drive shaft by connecting the second motor to the third shaft and connecting the drive shaft to the third shaft.
  • the control method when a rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range, the control method may be characterized by controlling so as to be a second connection state in which the first connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the third shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the first motor shaft.
  • the control method when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range, the control method may be characterized by controlling so as to be a third connection state in which the first connection/disconnection module connects the second motor shaft to the third shaft; the second connection/disconnection module disconnects the second motor shaft from the engine shaft; the third connection/disconnection module disconnects the drive shaft from the third shaft; and the fourth connection/disconnection module connects the drive shaft to the first motor shaft.
  • the power when the rotation speed of the drive shaft is in a predetermined high rotation range, the power can be output to the drive shaft by connecting the second motor to the third shaft and connecting the drive shaft to the first motor shaft.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a hybrid vehicle 20 mounting a power output apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in a first connection state;
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in a second connection state; and
  • FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , the transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in a third connection state.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a hybrid vehicle 20 mounting a power output apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the hybrid vehicle 20 of the present embodiment includes an engine 22 ; a three shaft-type power distribution and integration mechanism 30 connected to a crankshaft (engine shaft) 26 serving as an output shaft of the engine 22 through a damper 28 ; a generatable motor MG 1 with a rotating shaft (first motor shaft) 31 a connected to the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ; a generatable motor MG 2 ; a transmission shaft 35 coupled to a ring gear shaft 32 a connected to the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ; a first coupled rotating shaft 36 and a second coupled rotating shaft 37 coupled to the transmission shaft 35 ; a third coupled rotating shaft 38 coupled to the rotating shaft 31 a of the motor MG 1 ; a first connection/disconnection mechanism 90 for performing connection and disconnection between a rotating shaft (second motor shaft) 45 of the motor MG 2 and the first coupled rotating shaft 36 ; a second
  • the engine 22 is an internal combustion engine that uses a hydrocarbon fuel, such as gasoline or light oil, to output power.
  • An engine electronic control unit (hereafter referred to as engine ECU) 24 receives signals from diverse sensors that detect operating conditions of the engine 22 , and takes charge of operation control of the engine 22 , for example, fuel injection control, ignition control, and intake air flow regulation.
  • the engine ECU 24 communicates with the hybrid electronic control unit 70 to control operations of the engine 22 in response to control signals transmitted from the hybrid electronic control unit 70 while outputting data relating to the operating conditions of the engine 22 to the hybrid electronic control unit 70 according to the requirements.
  • the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 includes a sun gear 31 as an external gear; a ring gear 32 as an internal gear arranged concentrically with the sun gear 31 ; a plurality of pinion gears 33 meshed with the sun gear 31 and the ring gear 32 ; and a carrier 34 which spinably and revolvably holds the plurality of pinion gears 33 .
  • the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 is configured as a planetary gear mechanism which uses the sun gear 31 , the ring gear 32 , and the carrier 34 as the rotational elements to perform a differential operation.
  • the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is coupled to the carrier 34 ; the rotating shaft 31 a of the motor MG 1 is coupled to the sun gear 31 ; and a hollow ring gear shaft 32 a having the gear 32 b is coupled to the ring gear 32 respectively.
  • the transmission shaft 35 is coupled to the gear 32 b of the ring gear shaft 32 a through a gear 35 a ; the first coupled rotating shaft 36 is coupled to the gear 35 b of the transmission shaft 35 through a gear 36 a ; and the second coupled rotating shaft 37 is coupled to the gear 35 b of the transmission shaft 35 through a gear 37 a .
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , the transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 .
  • the S axis indicates the rotation speed of the sun gear 31 (the rotating shaft 31 a of the motor MG 1 ) of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ;
  • the C axis indicates the rotation speed of the carrier 34 (the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 ) of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ;
  • the R axis indicates the rotation speed of the ring gear 32 (the ring gear shaft 32 a ) of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ;
  • the 38 b axis indicates the rotation speed of the gear 38 b ;
  • the 38 axis indicates the rotation speed of the third coupled rotating shaft 38 ;
  • the 36 axis indicates the rotation speed of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 ;
  • the 37 axis indicates the rotation speed of the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and the 35 axis indicates the rotation speed of the transmission shaft 35 .
  • the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the first coupled rotating shaft 36 or is connected to the carrier 34 by the first connection/disconnection mechanism 90 and the second connection/disconnection mechanism 95 .
  • the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 or is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 by the third connection/disconnection mechanism 100 and the fourth connection/disconnection mechanism 105 .
  • the gear ratio ⁇ 1 of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 the gear ratio ⁇ 2 of gears 32 b and 35 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 3 of gears 35 b and 36 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 4 of gears 35 b and 37 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 5 of gears 31 b and 38 b , and the gear ratio ⁇ 6 of gears 38 b and 38 a are adjusted such that the ease of rotation of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 at a negative rotation speed when the third coupled rotating shaft 38 is rotated at a relatively high rotation speed and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is rotated at a relatively low rotation speed is lower than the ease of rotation of the sun gear 31 at a negative rotation speed when the second coupled rotating shaft 37 is rotated at a relatively high rotation speed and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is rotated at a relatively low rotation speed, namely, such that the first coupled rotating shaft 36 for the latter case is more difficult to rotate at a negative rotation speed than the sun gear 31 for the
  • the first connection/disconnection mechanism 90 is configured as a so called dog clutch, including a first coupled rotating shaft side gear 91 fixed to the hollow first coupled rotating shaft 36 coupled to the transmission shaft 35 through the gears 35 b and 36 a ; a motor side gear 92 fixed to the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 arranged coaxially with the first coupled rotating shaft 36 ; a first movable member 93 ; and an actuator 94 for moving the first movable member.
  • the first coupled rotating shaft side gear 91 and the motor side gear 92 are formed into the same shape having teeth at the outer peripheral side and are arranged at a predetermined spacing.
  • the first movable member 93 in which teeth meshable with the first coupled rotating shaft side gear 91 and the motor side gear 92 are provided at the inner peripheral side, can move back and forth a slightly longer distance than the distance corresponding to the predetermined spacing in the axial direction.
  • the first connection/disconnection mechanism 90 moves the first movable member 93 back and forth in the axial direction using the actuator 94 , thereby connecting and disconnecting the motor side gear 92 and the first coupled rotating shaft side gear 91 , namely, connecting and disconnecting the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 and the first coupled rotating shaft 36 .
  • the second connection/disconnection mechanism 95 is also configured as a so called dog clutch, including a motor side gear 92 ; an engine side gear 96 fixed to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 arranged on a substantially extension of the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 ; a second movable member 97 ; and an actuator 98 for moving the second movable member 97 .
  • the engine side gear 96 is formed into the same shape as the motor side gear 92 ; and the motor side gear 92 and the engine side gear 96 are arranged at a predetermined spacing.
  • the second movable member 97 in which teeth meshable with the motor side gear 92 and the engine side gear 96 are provided at the inner peripheral side, can move back and forth a slightly longer distance than the distance corresponding to the predetermined spacing in the axial direction.
  • the second connection/disconnection mechanism 95 moves the second movable member 97 back and forth in the axial direction using the actuator 98 , thereby connecting and disconnecting the motor side gear 92 and the engine side gear 96 , namely, connecting and disconnecting the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 .
  • the third connection/disconnection mechanism 100 is also configured as a so called dog clutch, including a second coupled rotating shaft side gear 101 fixed to the hollow second coupled rotating shaft 37 coupled to the transmission shaft 35 through the gears 35 b and 37 a ; a drive shaft side gear 102 fixed to the drive shaft 39 arranged coaxially with the second coupled rotating shaft 36 ; a third movable member 103 ; and an actuator 104 for moving the third movable member 103 .
  • the second coupled rotating shaft side gear 101 and the drive shaft side gear 102 are formed into the same shape as the first coupled rotating shaft side gear 91 and the like and are arranged at a predetermined spacing.
  • the third movable member 103 in which teeth meshable with the second coupled rotating shaft side gear 101 and the drive shaft side gear 102 are provided at the inner peripheral side, can move back and forth a slightly longer distance than the distance corresponding to the predetermined spacing in the axial direction.
  • the third connection/disconnection mechanism 100 moves the third movable member 103 back and forth in the axial direction using the actuator 104 , thereby connecting and disconnecting the drive shaft side gear 102 and the second coupled rotating shaft side gear 101 , namely, connecting and disconnecting the drive shaft 39 and the second coupled rotating shaft 37 .
  • the fourth connection/disconnection mechanism 105 is also configured as a so called dog clutch, including the drive shaft side gear 102 ; a third coupled rotating shaft side gear 106 fixed to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 arranged on a substantially extension of the drive shaft 39 and coupled to the rotating shaft 31 a of the motor MG 1 through the gears 31 b , 38 b , and 38 a ; a fourth movable member 107 ; and an actuator 108 for moving the fourth movable member 107 .
  • the third coupled rotating shaft side gear 106 is formed into the same shape as the drive shaft side gear 102 ; and the drive shaft side gear 102 and the third coupled rotating shaft side gear 106 are arranged at a predetermined spacing.
  • the fourth movable member 107 in which teeth meshable with the drive shaft side gear 102 and the third coupled rotating shaft side gear 106 are provided at the inner peripheral side, can move back and forth a slightly longer distance than the distance corresponding to the predetermined spacing in the axial direction.
  • the fourth connection/disconnection mechanism 105 moves the third coupled rotating shaft side gear 107 back and forth in the axial direction using the actuator 108 , thereby connecting and disconnecting the drive shaft side gear 102 and the third coupled rotating shaft side gear 106 , namely, connecting and disconnecting the drive shaft 39 and the third coupled rotating shaft 38 .
  • Both the motors MG 1 and MG 2 are known synchronous motor generators that are driven as a generator and as a motor.
  • the motors MG 1 and MG 2 transmit electric power to and from a battery 50 via inverters 41 and 42 .
  • Power lines 54 that connect the inverters 41 and 42 with the battery 50 are constructed as a positive electrode bus line and a negative electrode bus line shared by the inverters 41 and 42 .
  • This arrangement enables the electric power generated by one of the motors MG 1 and MG 2 to be consumed by the other motor.
  • Operations of both the motors MG 1 and MG 2 are controlled by a motor electronic control unit (hereafter referred to as motor ECU) 40 .
  • motor ECU motor electronice control unit
  • the motor ECU 40 receives diverse signals required for controlling the operations of the motors MG 1 and MG 2 , for example, signals from rotational position detection sensors 43 and 44 that detect the rotational positions of rotors in the motors MG 1 and MG 2 and phase currents applied to the motors MG 1 and MG 2 and measured by current sensors (not shown).
  • the motor ECU 40 outputs switching control signals to the inverters 41 and 42 .
  • the motor ECU 40 communicates with the hybrid electronic control unit 70 to control operations of the motors MG 1 and MG 2 in response to control signals transmitted from the hybrid electronic control unit 70 while outputting data relating to the operating conditions of the motors MG 1 and MG 2 to the hybrid electronic control unit 70 according to the requirements.
  • the battery 50 is under control of a battery electronic control unit (hereafter referred to as battery ECU) 52 .
  • the battery ECU 52 receives diverse signals required for control of the battery 50 , for example, an inter-terminal voltage measured by a voltage sensor (not shown) disposed between terminals of the battery 50 , a charge-discharge current measured by a current sensor (not shown) attached to the power line 54 connected with the output terminal of the battery 50 , and a battery temperature Tb measured by a temperature sensor 51 attached to the battery 50 .
  • the battery ECU 52 outputs data relating to the state of the battery 50 to the hybrid electronic control unit 70 via communication according to the requirements.
  • the battery ECU 52 calculates a state of charge (SOC) of the battery 50 , based on the accumulated charge-discharge current measured by the current sensor, for control of the battery 50 .
  • SOC state of charge
  • the hybrid electronic control unit 70 is constructed as a microprocessor including a CPU 72 , a ROM 74 that stores processing programs, a RAM 76 that temporarily stores data, and a non-illustrated input-output port, and a non-illustrated communication port.
  • the hybrid electronic control unit 70 receives various inputs via the input port: an ignition signal from an ignition switch 80 , a gearshift position SP from a gearshift position sensor 82 that detects the current position of a gearshift lever 81 , an accelerator opening Acc from an accelerator pedal position sensor 84 that measures a step-on amount of an accelerator pedal 83 , a brake pedal position BP from a brake pedal position sensor 86 that measures a step-on amount of a brake pedal 85 , and a vehicle speed V from a vehicle speed sensor 88 .
  • the hybrid electronic control unit 70 outputs signals including drive signals to the actuators 94 , 98 , 104 and 108 .
  • the hybrid electronic control unit 70 communicates with the engine ECU 24 , the motor ECU 40 , and the battery ECU 52 via the communication port to transmit diverse control signals and data to and from the engine ECU 24 , the motor ECU 40 , and the battery ECU 52 , as mentioned previously.
  • the hybrid vehicle 20 of the present embodiment can run by outputting a power to the drive shaft 39 according to various operation modes by changing the state of the first to fourth connection/disconnection mechanisms 90 , 95 , 100 , and 105 .
  • the state of the first to fourth connection/disconnection mechanisms 90 , 95 , 100 , and 105 include a first connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 ; a second connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 (the carrier 34 of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ) of the engine 22 and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 ; a third connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 ; a fourth connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine
  • connection state is selected from the first to fourth connection states and the like, and the torque demand to be output to the drive shaft 39 is calculated based on an accelerator opening Acc and a vehicle speed V corresponding to the amount of depression of an accelerator pedal 83 by the driver. Then, the operation of the engine 22 , the motor MG 1 , and the motor MG 2 is controlled so as to output the drive power demand corresponding to the torque demand to the drive shaft 39 .
  • the operation control mode includes a torque conversion operation mode in which the operation of the engine 22 , the motor MG 1 , and the motor MG 2 is controlled such that the engine 22 is operated at an operation point (rotation speed and torque) set such that a power corresponding to the drive power demand is output from the engine 22 , and the driving of the motor MG 1 and the motor MG 2 is controlled such that the torque of the entire power output from the engine 22 is converted by the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , the transmission shaft 35 , the first coupled rotating shaft 36 , the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , the motor MG 1 , and the motor MG 2 , and then is output to the drive shaft 39 ; a charge/discharge operation mode in which the operation of the engine 22 is controlled such that the power corresponding to the sum of the drive power demand and the electric power necessary for charging/discharging of the battery 50 is output from the engine 22 , and the driving of the motor MG 1 and the MG 2 is controlled such that the torque of the entire or part
  • FIG. 3 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in the first connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 .
  • the first connection state is assumed to be selected when the vehicle runs at a relatively low speed (e.g., the rotation speed of the drive shaft 39 is less than a predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 ).
  • the motor MG 1 functions as a generator
  • the motor MG 2 functions as a motor. Therefore, a part of the power from the engine 22 is output to the drive shaft 39 with electric power generated by the motor MG 1 through the ring gear shaft 32 a , the transmission shaft 35 , and the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , and a power from the motor MG 2 is output to the drive shaft 39 through the transmission shaft 35 and the second coupled rotating shaft 37 .
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in the second connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 , and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 .
  • the second connection state is assumed to be selected when the vehicle runs at a relatively high speed (e.g., the rotation speed of the drive shaft 39 is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 ), and the motor MG 1 is rotated at a negative rotation speed (the motor MG 1 is rotated in a direction opposite to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 and the ring gear shaft 32 a ).
  • the motor MG 1 functions as a motor
  • the motor MG 2 functions as a generator.
  • the motor MG 2 uses a part of the power from the engine 22 to generate electric power, and the remaining power from the engine 22 is output to the drive shaft 39 with electric power consumed by the motor MG 1 through the ring gear shaft 32 a , transmission shaft 35 , and the second coupled rotating shaft 37 .
  • FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an alignment chart for mechanically explaining the relationship of the rotation speed among the individual rotational elements of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , a transmission shaft 35 , the first to third coupled rotating shafts 36 to 38 in a third connection state in which the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , and the drive shaft 39 is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 .
  • the third connection state is assumed to be selected when the vehicle runs at a relatively high speed (e.g., the rotation speed of the drive shaft 39 is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 or a predetermined rotation speed Nref 2 different from the predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 ).
  • the motor MG 1 can function as a motor
  • the motor MG 2 can function as a generator.
  • the torque output from the motor MG 2 to the ring gear shaft 32 a through the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the transmission shaft 35 can be used to output a part of the power from the engine 22 to the drive shaft 39 through the sun gear 31 and the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , and to output the power from the motor MG 1 to the drive shaft 39 through the third coupled rotating shaft 38 .
  • the first connection state is switched to the second connection state or the third connection state when a state of running at a relatively low speed in the first connection state is shifted to a state of cruising at a relatively high speed by acceleration, namely, when shifted to a state where the drive shaft 39 is rotated at a relatively high rotation speed and the engine 22 is operated with a relatively low rotation and low torque (for example, a state where the drive shaft 39 is rotated at a rotation speed equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 or a predetermined rotation speed Nref 2 , and the engine 22 is rotated at a very low rotation speed compared with the predetermined rotation speed Nref 1 or the predetermined rotation speed Nref 2 ).
  • the rotation speed of the ring gear 32 is increased with acceleration and is shifted to a relatively high cruise speed.
  • the rotation speed of the motor MG 1 reaches an approximate value of 0, namely, when the rotation speed of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 is approximately the same as the rotation speed of the crankshaft 26 (the carrier 34 of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 ) of the engine 22
  • the second movable member 97 of the second connection/disconnection mechanism 95 is moved in the axial direction to connect the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22
  • the first movable member 93 of the first connection/disconnection mechanism 90 is moved in the axial direction to disconnect the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 from the first coupled rotating shaft 36 .
  • the first connection state is switched to the second connection state for cruising at a relatively high speed.
  • the reason why the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the second connection state when the vehicle cruises at a relatively high speed is as follows. If the vehicle cruises at a relatively high speed in the first connection state, when the motor MG 1 is rotated at a negative rotation speed, the motor MG 2 uses a part of the power output from the motor MG 1 to generate electric power and supplies the power to the motor MG 1 , thereby causing a circulation of power-electric power-power (hereinafter referred to as the power circulation), which remarkably decreases the efficiency of the vehicle.
  • the power circulation power-electric power-power
  • the motor MG 2 connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 uses a part of the power from the engine 22 to generate electric power and supplies the power to the motor MG 1 , thereby suppressing the power circulation and increasing the energy efficiency of the vehicle. For this reason, the first connection state is switched to the second connection state when shifted to a relatively high cruise speed.
  • the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 and then the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 36 , thereby suppressing a rotational fluctuation of the rotating shaft 45 caused by releasing the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 into a free state and ensuring a more smooth switching operation from the first connection state to the second connection state.
  • the first and second connection/disconnection mechanism 90 and 95 are configured as dog clutches and thus the actuators 94 and 98 may be driven only when switched from the first connection state to the second connection state, thereby reducing the time to drive the actuators 94 and 98 in comparison with connecting the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 to the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 using hydraulic pressure and the like.
  • the fourth movable member 107 of the fourth connection/disconnection mechanism 105 is moved in the axial direction to connect the drive shaft 39 to the third coupled rotating shaft 38
  • the third movable member 103 of the third connection/disconnection mechanism 100 is moved in the axial direction to disconnect the drive shaft 39 from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , thereby switching to the third connection state for cruising at a relatively high speed.
  • the reason why the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the third connection state when the vehicle cruises at a relatively high speed is as follows. The reason why the power circulation occurs in the first connection state for cruising at a relatively high speed has described hereinbefore.
  • the gear ratio ⁇ 1 of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 the gear ratio ⁇ 2 of gears 32 b and 35 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 3 of gears 35 b and 36 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 4 of gears 35 b and 37 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 5 of gears 31 b and 38 b , and the gear ratio ⁇ 6 of gears 38 b and 38 a are adjusted such that the ease of rotation of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 at a negative rotation speed when the third coupled rotating shaft 38 is rotated at a relatively high rotation speed and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is rotated at a relatively low rotation speed is lower than the ease of rotation of the sun gear 31 at a negative rotation speed when the second coupled rotating shaft 37 is rotated at a relatively high rotation speed and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is rotated at a relatively low rotation speed, namely, such that the first coupled rotating shaft 36 for the latter case is more difficult to rotate at a negative rotation speed than the sun
  • the power circulation is more different to occur in the third connection state where the motor MG 1 can function as a motor and the motor MG 2 can function as a generator in comparison with the first connection state where the motor MG 1 can function as a generator and the motor MG 2 can function as a motor, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the vehicle.
  • the first connection state is switched to the third connection state when shifted to a relatively high cruise speed.
  • the drive shaft 39 when the first connection state is switched to the third connection state, the drive shaft 39 is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 and then the drive shaft 39 is disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , thereby suppressing a rotational fluctuation of the drive shaft 39 caused by releasing the drive shaft 39 into a free state both from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , thereby ensuring a more smooth switching operation from the first connection state to the third connection state.
  • the third and fourth connection/disconnection mechanism 100 and 105 are configured as dog clutches and thus the actuators 104 and 108 may be driven only when switched from the first connection state to the third connection state, thereby reducing the time to drive the actuators 104 and 108 in comparison with connecting the drive shaft 39 to second coupled rotating shaft 37 and third coupled rotating shaft 38 using hydraulic pressure and the like.
  • the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected and disconnected to and from the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22
  • the drive shaft 39 is connected and disconnected to and from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , thereby increasing the connection state when a power is output to the drive shaft 39 , and outputting the power to the drive shaft 39 in a more efficient connection state in comparison with connecting and disconnecting the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 to and from the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 .
  • connection state is switched from the first connection state to the second connection state in synchronism with the rotation of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 , and the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the third connection state in synchronism with the rotation of the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , thereby ensuring a smooth switching operation from the first connection state to the second connection state or the third connection state.
  • connection state when the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the second connection state, the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 and then the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is disconnected from the first coupled rotating shaft 36 , and when the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the third connection state, the drive shaft 39 is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 and then the drive shaft 39 is disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , thereby ensuring a more smooth switching operation from the first connection state to the second connection state or the third connection state.
  • the operation of switching from the first connection state to the second connection state and the operation of switching from the first connection state to the third connection state have been described hereinbefore.
  • the operation of switching from the second connection state to the first connection state may be configured such that when the rotation speed of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 is approximately the same as the rotation speed of the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 , the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the first coupled rotating shaft 36 and then the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is disconnected from the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 .
  • the operation of switching from the third connection state to the first connection state may be configured such that when the rotation speed of the second coupled rotating shaft 37 is approximately the same as the rotation speed of the third coupled rotating shaft 38 , the drive shaft 39 is connected to the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and then the drive shaft 39 is disconnected from the third coupled rotating shaft 38 .
  • the switching operation from the second connection state to the first connection state and the switching operation from the third connection state to the first connection state can be performed more smoothly.
  • the gear ratio ⁇ 1 of the power distribution and integration mechanism 30 , the gear ratio ⁇ 2 of gears 32 b and 35 a , the gear ratio ⁇ 3 of gears 36 b and 35 a are adjusted such that the rotation speed of the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is approximately the same as the rotation speed of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 when the rotation speed of the motor MG 1 is an approximate value of 0, but the gear ratios may be adjusted such that the rotation speed of the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 is approximately the same as the rotation speed of the first coupled rotating shaft 36 when the rotation speed of the motor MG 1 reaches a predetermined rotation speed Nref 3 other than an approximate value of 0.
  • the connection state may be switched from the first connection state to the second connection state.
  • the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 when the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the second connection state, the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 and then the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 is disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 36 , but the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 may be disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 36 , and then the rotating shaft 45 of the motor MG 2 may be connected to the crankshaft 26 of the engine 22 .
  • the drive shaft 39 when the connection state is switched from the first connection state to the third connection state, the drive shaft 39 is connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 and then the drive shaft 39 is disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 , but the drive shaft 39 may be disconnected from the second coupled rotating shaft 37 and then the drive shaft 39 may be connected to the third coupled rotating shaft 38 .
  • the first connection state is selected when the vehicle runs at a relatively low speed
  • the second connection state or the third connection state is selected when the vehicle runs at a relatively high speed
  • the method of selecting the connection state is not limited to this.
  • the first to fourth connection/disconnection mechanisms 90 , 95 , 100 , and 105 are configured each as a dog clutch, but may be configured each as a synchromesh clutch and the like instead of this.
  • the power output apparatus 20 of the present embodiment may be mounted on a vehicle other than the hybrid vehicle, an airplane, a marine vessel, and other movable body, and may also be incorporated as a power source of a non-movable facility such as a construction facility.
  • the present invention can be used for a manufacturing industry for a power output apparatus and a vehicle.
US12/306,443 2006-06-23 2007-06-21 Power output apparatus, vehicle mounting the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus Expired - Fee Related US8042634B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006173955A JP4228007B2 (ja) 2006-06-23 2006-06-23 動力出力装置およびこれを搭載する車両
JP2006-173955 2006-06-23
PCT/JP2007/062488 WO2007148749A1 (ja) 2006-06-23 2007-06-21 動力出力装置およびこれを搭載する車両並びに動力出力装置の制御方法

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090242287A1 US20090242287A1 (en) 2009-10-01
US8042634B2 true US8042634B2 (en) 2011-10-25

Family

ID=38833487

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/306,443 Expired - Fee Related US8042634B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2007-06-21 Power output apparatus, vehicle mounting the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US8042634B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP2048018B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP4228007B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN101472753B (ja)
WO (1) WO2007148749A1 (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9327721B2 (en) 2014-07-15 2016-05-03 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Methods and systems for starting an engine while a vehicle is creeping

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2875280B1 (fr) * 2004-09-15 2008-02-15 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Dispositif de commutation pour vehicule automobile et utilisation de ce dispositif
JP5204047B2 (ja) * 2009-06-26 2013-06-05 トヨタ自動車株式会社 車両の駆動装置
CN102085795B (zh) * 2009-12-04 2015-04-15 上海汽车集团股份有限公司 一种车用离合器动力藕合同步器换档混合动力驱动系统
EP2554447B1 (en) * 2010-03-30 2020-01-08 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Drive control device for hybrid vehicle
FR2958883B1 (fr) * 2010-04-16 2014-02-14 Renault Sa Systeme de motorisation hybride
FR2958882B1 (fr) * 2010-04-16 2014-10-24 Renault Sa Systeme de motorisation hybride
US8647231B2 (en) * 2010-07-07 2014-02-11 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Transitioning between electric-drive and parallel-drive in a hybrid-electric vehicle powertrain
US8512187B2 (en) * 2010-09-15 2013-08-20 Chrysler Group Llc Multi-mode drive unit
JP5455994B2 (ja) * 2011-08-31 2014-03-26 本田技研工業株式会社 自動車用駆動システム
JP2015025547A (ja) * 2013-07-29 2015-02-05 アイシン精機株式会社 クラッチ学習装置
JP6236965B2 (ja) * 2013-07-30 2017-11-29 アイシン精機株式会社 自動変速機用ドグクラッチ制御装置
WO2015113425A1 (zh) * 2014-01-30 2015-08-06 比亚迪股份有限公司 车辆及其动力传动系统
CN110962572B (zh) * 2018-09-29 2021-05-14 比亚迪股份有限公司 混合动力驱动系统及车辆
CN110962570B (zh) * 2018-09-29 2021-03-26 比亚迪股份有限公司 混合动力驱动系统及车辆

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1075501A (ja) 1996-07-02 1998-03-17 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびその制御方法
JPH11332018A (ja) 1998-05-07 1999-11-30 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびその制御方法
US6328670B1 (en) * 1998-04-28 2001-12-11 Hitachi, Ltd. Power transmission apparatus for an automobile
JP2002135910A (ja) 2000-10-30 2002-05-10 Toyota Motor Corp ハイブリッド車両およびその制御方法
US6520879B2 (en) * 1998-08-28 2003-02-18 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Power transmission apparatus and four wheel drive equipped with the same
JP2003531764A (ja) 2000-05-02 2003-10-28 ローベルト ボツシユ ゲゼルシヤフト ミツト ベシユレンクテル ハフツング 特に自動車に用いられる変速機
US20040251862A1 (en) 2003-06-12 2004-12-16 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Power transmission device for hybrid vehicle
JP2005297786A (ja) 2004-04-12 2005-10-27 Toyota Motor Corp ハイブリッド車の駆動装置
JP2005297590A (ja) 2004-04-06 2005-10-27 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびこれを搭載する自動車

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1075501A (ja) 1996-07-02 1998-03-17 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびその制御方法
US6328670B1 (en) * 1998-04-28 2001-12-11 Hitachi, Ltd. Power transmission apparatus for an automobile
JPH11332018A (ja) 1998-05-07 1999-11-30 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびその制御方法
US6520879B2 (en) * 1998-08-28 2003-02-18 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Power transmission apparatus and four wheel drive equipped with the same
JP2003531764A (ja) 2000-05-02 2003-10-28 ローベルト ボツシユ ゲゼルシヤフト ミツト ベシユレンクテル ハフツング 特に自動車に用いられる変速機
JP2002135910A (ja) 2000-10-30 2002-05-10 Toyota Motor Corp ハイブリッド車両およびその制御方法
US20040251862A1 (en) 2003-06-12 2004-12-16 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Power transmission device for hybrid vehicle
US7034481B2 (en) * 2003-06-12 2006-04-25 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Power transmission device for hybrid vehicle
JP2005297590A (ja) 2004-04-06 2005-10-27 Toyota Motor Corp 動力出力装置およびこれを搭載する自動車
JP2005297786A (ja) 2004-04-12 2005-10-27 Toyota Motor Corp ハイブリッド車の駆動装置

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9327721B2 (en) 2014-07-15 2016-05-03 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Methods and systems for starting an engine while a vehicle is creeping

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4228007B2 (ja) 2009-02-25
EP2048018A4 (en) 2010-07-28
EP2048018B1 (en) 2015-07-29
EP2048018A1 (en) 2009-04-15
WO2007148749A1 (ja) 2007-12-27
US20090242287A1 (en) 2009-10-01
CN101472753A (zh) 2009-07-01
JP2008001279A (ja) 2008-01-10
CN101472753B (zh) 2013-07-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8042634B2 (en) Power output apparatus, vehicle mounting the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus
US8091661B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
US7938208B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
US7695387B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle equipped with power output apparatus
US7806795B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle with power output apparatus
US8056659B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
US8122983B2 (en) Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle with the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus
US8231491B2 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
EP1297981B1 (en) Hybrid vehicle with planetary gearing power distribution apparatus
US8100207B2 (en) Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle having the same, and method of controlling the power output apparatus
US8251165B2 (en) Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle with the same, and control method of power output apparatus
US7317259B2 (en) Power output apparatus and motor vehicle equipped with power output apparatus
US8210296B2 (en) Power output apparatus, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and control method of power output apparatus
US7931102B2 (en) Power output apparatus, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and control method of power output apparatus
US20100051360A1 (en) Coupling device, and power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle including coupling device
US8215426B2 (en) Power output apparatus, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and control method of power output apparatus
US7749130B2 (en) Vehicle, driving system, and control methods of the same
US20100038157A1 (en) Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
US8177005B2 (en) Vehicle, driving device and control method thereof
US20100018789A1 (en) Coupling device, and power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle including coupling device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ERITATE, KAZUNOBU;YAMAUCHI, TOMOKAZU;SASAKI, SHOICHI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:022421/0111;SIGNING DATES FROM 20081111 TO 20090217

Owner name: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ERITATE, KAZUNOBU;YAMAUCHI, TOMOKAZU;SASAKI, SHOICHI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:022421/0111;SIGNING DATES FROM 20081111 TO 20090217

Owner name: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ERITATE, KAZUNOBU;YAMAUCHI, TOMOKAZU;SASAKI, SHOICHI;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20081111 TO 20090217;REEL/FRAME:022421/0111

Owner name: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ERITATE, KAZUNOBU;YAMAUCHI, TOMOKAZU;SASAKI, SHOICHI;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20081111 TO 20090217;REEL/FRAME:022421/0111

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20191025